Biomarkers for atrial fibrillation detection after stroke: systematic review and meta-analysis.

Cameron, A., Cheng, H. K., Lee, R.-P., Doherty, D., Hall, M., Khashayar, P., Lip, G., Quinn, T., Abdul-Rahim, A. and Dawson, J. (2021) Biomarkers for atrial fibrillation detection after stroke: systematic review and meta-analysis. Neurology, 97(18), e1775-e1789. (doi: 10.1212/WNL.0000000000012769) (PMID:34504030)

Abstract

To identify clinical, ECG and blood-based biomarkers associated with atrial fibrillation (AF) detection after ischaemic stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA) that could help inform patient selection for cardiac monitoring. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis and searched electronic databases for cohort studies from 15/01/2000-15/01/2020. The outcome was AF ≥30 seconds within one year after ischaemic stroke/TIA. We used random effects models to create summary estimates of risk. Risk of bias was assessed using the Quality in Prognostic Studies tool. PROSPERO registration: CRD42020168307. We identified 8503 studies, selected 34 studies and assessed 69 variables (42 clinical, 20 ECG and seven blood-based biomarkers). The studies included 11569 participants and AF was detected in 1478 people (12.8%). Overall, risk of bias was moderate. Variables associated with increased likelihood of AF detection are older age (OR 3.26, 95%CI 2.35-4.54), female sex (OR 1.47, 95%CI 1.23-1.77), a history of heart failure (OR 2.56, 95%CI 1.87-3.49), hypertension (OR 1.42, 95%CI 1.15-1.75) or ischaemic heart disease (OR 1.80, 95%CI 1.34-2.42), higher modified Rankin Scale (OR 6.13, 95%CI 2.93-12.84) or National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score (OR 2.50, 95%CI 1.64-3.81), no significant carotid/intracranial artery stenosis (OR 3.23, 95%CI 1.14-9.11), no tobacco use (OR 1.93, 95%CI 1.48-2.51), statin therapy (OR 2.07, 95%CI 1.14-3.73), stroke as index diagnosis (OR 1.59, 95%CI 1.17-2.18), systolic blood pressure (OR 1.61, 95%CI 1.16-2.22), intravenous thrombolysis treatment (OR 2.40, 95%CI 1.83-3.16), atrioventricular block (OR 2.12, 95%CI 1.08-4.17), left ventricular hypertrophy (OR 2.21, 95%CI 1.03-4.74), premature atrial contraction (OR 3.90, 95%CI 1.74-8.74), maximum P-wave duration (OR 3.19, 95%CI 1.40-7.25), PR interval (OR 2.32, 95%CI 1.11-4.83), P-wave dispersion (OR 7.79, 95%CI 4.16-14.61), P-wave index (OR 3.44, 95%CI 1.87-6.32), QTc interval (OR 3.68, 95%CI 1.63-8.28), brain natriuretic peptide (OR 13.73, 95%CI 3.31-57.07) and HDL-cholesterol (OR 1.49, 95%CI 1.17-1.88) concentrations. Variables associated with reduced likelihood are minimum P-wave duration (OR 0.53, 95%CI 0.29-0.98), LDL-cholesterol (OR 0.73, 95%CI 0.57-0.93) and triglyceride (OR 0.51, 95%CI 0.41-0.64) concentrations. We have identified multi-modal biomarkers that could help guide patient selection for cardiac monitoring after ischaemic stroke/TIA. Their prognostic utility should be prospectively assessed with AF detection and recurrent stroke as outcomes.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Cameron, Dr Alan and Lee, Dr REN-PING and Hall, Dr Mark and Doherty, Dr Daniel and Dawson, Professor Jesse and Abdul-Rahim, Dr Azmil
• Authors: Cameron, A., Cheng, H. K., Lee, R.-P., Doherty, D., Hall, M., Khashayar, P., Lip, G., Quinn, T., Abdul-Rahim, A., and Dawson, J.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health; College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Psychology & Neuroscience; College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing
• Journal Name: Neurology
• Publisher: American Academy of Neurology
• ISSN: 1526-632X
• ISSN (Online): 1526-632X
• Published Online: 09 September 2021